In re L.D. CA3

BACKGROUND

Mother and father became involved with a group known as the “Time in the World church” led by James Lowery. Lowery spent most of his time at mother and father’s home. Many other people lived in mother and father’s home. Lowery had been convicted of sexual abuse and there were additional reports that he had committed molestation and abuse. Lowery’s mother Julia and his nephew D.A. both lived in mother and father’s home and provided childcare for the minor. Julia and D.A. both knew Lowery was a registered sex offender but believed he did not pose any risk to the minor or any of the other children in the home. Mother and father knew Lowery was a sex offender but believed he had changed and they considered him to be a prophet. Witnesses reported that Lowery held church at mother and father’s home at all hours and spent a great deal of time talking about sex. Witnesses also said church members had to get permission from Lowery to go places and did not listen to anyone but Lowery. On October 9, 2020, the Sacramento County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (the Department) filed a dependency petition on behalf of the minor pursuant to section 300, subdivisions…